Vatican — Animal rights activists are asking Pope Francis to stop the ceremonial practice of releasing doves from a Vatican window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. The petition was created on Care2 following a recent incident in which a seagull and crow attacked the released doves while thousands of people watched below.

VIEW THE PETITION HERE: http://www.care2.com/go/z/popedoves

Doves are typically released as a symbol of peace, but The National Animal Protection Agency, or ENPA, has warned that domesticated doves have trouble recognizing and fighting off attackers, so releasing them into the square makes them particularly vulnerable. The Care2 petition has already gathered 135 signatures.

“It was very disturbing to see those peace doves getting attacked, said Chris Wolverton, who created the petition. “Nobody saw this dove release as a symbol of peace. It was a scene of violence, which is the opposite of peace. I hope that Pope Francis realizes this and will find alternative methods to share his peace message. There are many other symbols he could use like paper cranes, white poppy flowers, and the peace sign, to name a few. Putting animals in danger is not a sensible way to promote peace.”

Gulls nest on top of the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square and hunt for garbage in the city. In an open letter, the ENPA said freeing doves in Rome is like “condemning them to certain death.”

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With more than 23 million engaged members, Care2 (www.Care2.com) is the largest online community of activists, now in its 15th year of making a difference for the environment, human and animal rights, and other causes. Care2.com, Inc. is a B Corporation, or social enterprise, using the power of business as a force for good.

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